My name is NaKya, and I am a braider/multimedia creator in Baltimore, MD. I strive to make people feel seen and inspired while showcasing my creative journey. Hopefully, this website will give you a glimpse into my mind but here’s a little about me:

I started braiding in 2017. I had been doing braids out of my living room until 2024 when I moved into a suite. In late 2023 (November), I began production of BLOOMING BRAIDS, which I originally planned to be a small collection of photos but later (February 2024) evolved into a two-part gallery sequence. That is when my photography journey began. I was very excited to start learning. I picked up a film camera and a lens and started taking random notes about film, lighting, shutters, and anything I heard or saw that may have been helpful. This led me to my second installment of BLOOMING BRAIDS, which I shot entirely on digital. It was a learning process, and it helped me apply what I had learned from watching others and taking notes. I’m just beginning my journey, but this is what I’ve done so far. Enjoy!